Sherry E Engler

Splash! Squeal! Laughter! Splash! Squeal! Laughter!  

The gift of hearing our two-year-old grandson, Lee, squeal with glee as he witnessed rainbow trout frolicking in the concrete tank at Tonto Creek Hatchery will always be a precious memory to treasure. His sisters, Ella, seven, and Dixie, ten, added to the prized moment with their remarks and questions, “How many fish are in here?”, “Wow! Have you ever seen so many fish at the same time?”, “Awesome! This is just AWESOME!”, “Hey Grandma and Grandpa, can we have a quarter to get fish food?”

Needless to say, the visit to Tonto Creek Hatchery was a huge success for entertaining our grandkids and Don and me for the afternoon. Nestled at the base of the Mogollon Rim, the hatchery is in a prime location, sited next to Tonto Creek in Tonto National Forest, northeast of the Highland Trail. The majesty of tall Ponderosa pines, and gorgeous Blue Spruce grace the premises, along with scrub oak and juniper trees. The medley of the Tonto Creek flowing and splashing along the east side of the hatchery is a melody of peacefulness. Ah! But the trout! So many trout in different stages of life frolic in the concrete tanks; species include Rainbow Trout, Tiger Trout, and Apache Trout. Not to mention, the enormous specimens of trout living, swimming, and splashing in the pond tank just south of the concrete tanks.

To the north of the concrete tanks is the visitor center. The visitor center contains many facts as to the history and composite of Tonto Creek Hatchery. Many different species of fish, preserved in taxidermy style, and photos, grace the walls as examples to fishermen as to what is possible in the fishing realm of Rim Country: a gigantic bass, an enormous catfish… the possibilities tease the avid fisherman.

Numerous deep fiberglass-like tanks line each side of a warehouse room, visible through a viewing window. Speculating that very young trout, perhaps hatchlings from eggs, reside in this restricted area, our grandchildren test our knowledge. “What are in those tanks, Grandma?”, “How do they get eggs for trout?”, “Who takes care of the eggs?” 

Ah! Finally, a question I do not have to Google. The Arizona Game and Fish Department began sponsoring the hatchery during the Great Depression and continue to maintain it today. Fortunately for avid fishermen and outdoorsmen, it is through the dedication and hard work of Arizona Game and Fish that our Rim lakes like Woods Canyon Lake, Knoll Lake, and Willow Springs get stocked with the treasure of trout.

As we moved along trying to skirt questions, of which we had no clue how to answer: “How many eggs does a trout mama lay?”, “How does Game and Fish get the eggs?”, “Does mama trout miss the baby eggs?”, we spotted the miniature replica model of the hatchery. Outstanding! Truly fascinating! And a welcome relief from feeling inept in answering fish questions of which we are totally uneducated.

Conversely, some interesting facts we discovered about Tonto Creek Hatchery were on display. For example, Tonto Creek Hatchery, the original structures, and road, began in 1935 and 1936. As part of the Works Progress Administration, WPA, workers started the construction of the gem we have the privilege of visiting today. 

However, Tonto Creek Hatchery had setbacks in its history. In 1970, the destruction of the devastating flooding, known as the Labor Day Flood, washed away many of the earthen ponds. Because of impacting the water supply to the hatchery, many fish were lost during this flood. As a result, rectangular concrete tanks were built to replace many of the ponds; yet there are still a few ponds that were repaired to maintain the larger trout. One such earthen pond lies south of the concrete tanks and is stocked with huge, HUGE fish for the enjoyment of visitors today.

Also, the Dude Fire in 1990, impacted the hatchery. The devastating fire ravaged many acres of pristine Tonto National Forest beauty, engulfing the cabin once belonging to the well-known author, Zane Grey. The fire destroyed many fabric coverings over the fish raceways, (concrete tanks) which served as protection. Previously, in 1987, Arizona Game and Fish began a two-year renovation project. However, after the Dude Fire, endurable metal roof structures were built to replace what once were fabric coverings.

Thankfully for us, the foresight of building and sustaining the hatchery has been a precious addition to the Tonto Creek area. Free to the public, the hatchery is open from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. To reach the hatchery from south Payson, travel north on State Route 87 until the intersection on 260 East; turn right; travel east for 16 miles and turn left on Forest Service Road 289; the Tonto Creek Hatchery is 4.2 miles on the right.

And DON’T forget the quarters!!! There are fish food dispensaries for all to feed the fish in the tanks and ponds for the delight of all ages. But no worries, if you forget the quarters, there is a change machine located in the visitors’ center. (Just a note: all we had was a twenty-dollar bill. Do you know how many fish pellets from the vending machine twenty dollars’ worth of quarters can buy? And did you know, you think you will only shell out five dollars’ worth of quarters for the cause; but, because the kids are having so much fun, you end up giving them all twenty dollars’ worth of quarters?) The trout were HAPPY to see our grandkids; but we were happy to see our grandkids have a great adventure feeding the frolicking fish, little, big, and gigantic! Splash! Squeal! Laughter! Splash! Squeal! Laughter!

Perhaps, one of the most touching moments of the day, was when our granddaughter proclaimed, “We sure had fish fun!” Yes, we did!



May your fishing expeditions be as successful as ours to Tonto Creek Hatchery. May you reel in the big one on the line of happiness and may your adventures include lots of squeals of delight. Blessings and safe travels. And Happy Fishing!